BREVETOXIN B

Description

Brevetoxin B is a polyketide neurotoxin produced by Karenia species and other dinoflagellates. It binds to site 5 on the alpha subunit of voltage-gated sodium channels (IC₅₀ = 15 nM) on neurons at the neuromuscular junction, causing the channel to open irreversibly at potentials more negative than normal, discharging action potentials repetitively. Brevetoxin B is ichthyotoxic at nanomolar concentrations and is responsible for an illness described as neurotoxic shellfish poisoning.

Description

Brevetoxins are a family of complex polycyclic polyethers that are produced by the “red tide” alga Karenia brevis that grows in the Gulf of Mexico. Brevetoxins are often abbreviated PbTx, which derives from their former designation Ptychodiscus brevis.
Brevetoxins come in two basic structures, type A and type B. Each type contains several specific compounds that are differentiated at the J-ring in PbTx-A and at the K-ring in PbTx-B. The images show the structure of one of the most common brevetoxins, PbTx-2, a member of the PbTx-B structure type.
Brevetoxin nomenclature is confusing at best. PbTx-2 is often called brevetoxin B even though there are several other type B structures. PbTx-8, also in the B group, was once referred to as brevetoxin C.
As indicated in the hazard information table, brevetoxins are truly toxic. They have been responsible for many fish, mammal, and mollusk kills in the Gulf; and tainted seafood has caused widespread food poisoning in humans. This year saw an especially virulent K. brevis bloom, especially off the coast of Florida.

What are the applications of Application

Brevetoxin PbTx-2 is a polyether neurotoxin and sodium influx inducer

Definition

ChEBI: Brevetoxin B is a ciguatoxin.